Helotes Fire Department mourns line-of-duty death of retired engineer Sam Richards

Helotes Fire Department mourns line-of-duty death of retired engineer Sam Richards by Jessica Warner Tue, November 10, 2026 at 9:00 PM 3 VIEW ALL PHOTOS The City of Helotes Fire Department is mourning the line-of-duty death of retired engineer Sam Richards, calling the loss “a profound tragedy” for the department and the community he served. Comment on this story 0 Comment Share story Share topics: Helotes Firefighter Line-of-duty death Sam Richards Fire department Honor guard Pipes and Drums Texas HELOTES, Texas - The City of Helotes Fire Department is mourning the line-of-duty death of retired engineer Sam Richards, calling the loss “a profound tragedy” for the department and the community he served. In a statement posted to Facebook, the department said it is “heartbroken to announce the Line-of-Duty Death of Retired Engineer Sam Richards,” adding that “our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our brother and colleague.” The department said Richards “dedicated his life to serving others and protecting our community,” and that “his commitment, service, and contributions to the fire service will never be forgotten.” “Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, fellow firefighters, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him,” the department said. The department said service information will be shared later. “Service information will be shared through official City of Helotes and Fire Department communication channels as details are confirmed,” the statement said. It also said, “Additional information regarding services and arrangements will be shared as details are confirmed.” The department also asked any Honor Guard or Pipes & Drums organizations wishing to participate or assist with services to contact Assistant Chief Walter Ball with the Boerne Fire Department. We appreciate the outpouring of support from our neighboring fire departments, public safety partners, and the community," said City of Helotes Fire Chief Scott Moreland. "Your thoughts, prayers, and support mean a great deal to our department and Engineer Richards' family. Trending Family of five killed after SUV leaves wet I-10 overpass in Seguin, parents identified Rain-slicked IH-10 in Seguin turned deadly when a Chevrolet Tahoe left an overpass near FM 725, killing a Porter family of five, including three children. FM 725 was shut for hours as police investigate. Two adults, three children killed after vehicle goes off bridge near I-10 in Seguin A single-vehicle crash near FM 725 and Interstate 10 prompted road closures in Seguin on Sunday afternoon, according to the Seguin Police Department.In a traffic alert posted to Facebook, police said at 1:30 p.m. on 'I'm going to kill you tonight': San Antonio man accused of stalking ex-girlfriend 'I'm going to kill you tonight': San Antonio man accused of stalking ex-girlfriend Man hunted down by armed suspects, beaten and killed over $12K in drug money Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar revealed disturbing new details Tuesday about the September killing of Jaime Adolfo Rodriguez. Woman found face down, blood on man's hands after deadly cruise ship attack Woman found face down, blood on man's hands after deadly cruise ship attack NEWS IN PHOTOS: " Local " 3 NEW Helotes Fire Department mourns line-of-duty death of retired engineer Sam Richards 9 WANTED: Suspects in fatal double shooting outside hookah lounge identified 7 One hospitalized in critical condition after multi-vehicle crash along Loop 410 3 Vehicle break-ins concern residents near La Cantera and the Rim